NRA 2.0: Linda Walker shares vision to return organization to its members

As a National Rifle Association (NRA) board member, I want to provide some background on how far we have come and where we are headed.

Last January, a historic change occurred: Wayne LaPierre resigned, closing a tumultuous chapter in the NRA's history. While his contributions to building the NRA were significant at one time, the financial and organizational turmoil of his final years caused immense damage to our organization. Under his leadership, millions were spent on legal fees, and accountability to members was severely undermined.

In response, a small but determined group of six board members, including myself, came together immediately to lay the foundation for change. We called for transparency, accountability, and a clear path forward. Our small group grew quickly to around 15-plus board members. Although we were initially met with resistance, we united under the vision of NRA 2.0, driven by our belief that the organization could once again serve its members with integrity and purpose. We were determined to return our NRA to greatness.

At the 2024 members meeting, members expressed their frustrations and rejected proposals that lacked proper evaluation, such as the move to relocate the NRA to Dallas. Following that meeting, our group grew in numbers and worked tirelessly, strategizing and coordinating efforts to ensure meaningful leadership changes.

The board of directors met May 20 and accomplished many great things by having the majority of the board vote for the changes we needed to transform NRA into NRA 2.0!

We elected three out of four new officers, and the results were transformative:

  • Bill Bachenberg was elected first vice president.
  • Mark Vaughn became second vice president.
  • Most importantly, Doug Hamlin was elected executive vice president, ushering in a new era of leadership.

As EVP, Doug Hamlin immediately jumped into action, revitalizing the organization by replacing ineffective personnel and bringing back those who had been dismissed for challenging the status quo. These bold moves signaled the start of a new chapter — one rooted in accountability and responsiveness.

In the past year, we have made tremendous strides. We have navigated the New York attorney general’s costly lawsuit and implemented changes to ensure such challenges are handled more effectively in the future. Board meetings are now dynamic, solution-focused sessions where open debate and member-focused resolutions take center stage.

However, there is still work to be done. The 2025 board elections offer a pivotal opportunity to solidify the progress we have made. By electing dedicated, independent board members who prioritize the needs of NRA members, we can build a stronger foundation for NRA 2.0.

This year, I urge every NRA voting member to vote. Your voice and support are essential in shaping the NRA's future. Together we can ensure that the organization remains a powerful advocate for our Second Amendment rights, guided by transparency, accountability, and unwavering commitment to its members.

When you remove your ballot from your February magazine, you will see a two-page advertisement. These are the recommendations for you to consider — candidates who have vowed to continue our reform of NRA 2.0. You can also go to the following website for more information: ElectanewNRA.com.

We have overcome incredible challenges to get the NRA back on track, and with NRA 2.0, we are stronger, more transparent, and more committed to serving our members than ever before. To continue this momentum, this year’s NRA board elections are crucial for shaping the organization's future.

Thank you for standing with us. And for those who left, I ask you to come back. We are determined that NRA will live on, but we need you! With your help, NRA 2.0 will continue to grow and thrive, returning the organization to its rightful owners — the members.

Linda Walker is President of Buckeye Firearms Association, Chairman of Buckeye Firearms Association PAC, and a member of the board of directors of the National Rifle Association, where she sits on the Legislative Policy, State & Local Affairs Subcommittee, Women’s Policies, and Grassroots Development committees. She is an NRA-ILA FAL Frontlines Activist Leader, an NRA certified instructor, and the 2009 recipient of the NRA "Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award.” She is co-founder and co-host of the NRA Women’s New Energy Breakfast. Linda Walker was also a co-chair of President Trump’s “Gun Owners for Trump” national advisory board in both 2016 and 2020.

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